One of the places parents will visit regularly after their baby is born is the pediatrician’s office. The coordinator of one of the most renowned pediatric clinics in Johannesburg says she advises parents to attend the first visit to the pediatrician right after birth.
“Most babies lose weight in the hospital – this is normal. We like to see babies again 10 to 14 days later so we can weigh them and see that they are returning to their birth weight,” she notes.
A baby’s first weeks are hectic and parents often have questions. That’s why it’s important to write them down, as it’s very easy to forget them when you’re tired and adjusting to a new routine. It’s important that this first visit to the pediatrician be long and thorough, in a warm and relaxed environment, and that parents remain close to the baby to reassure them.
This first visit to the pediatrician is also a good time to check how the mother is managing feeding. For example, breastfed babies feed more frequently, which can raise doubts for the mother, who may think her milk is not enough.
Breastfed babies also have stools with a softer appearance, as opposed to the formed stools of formula-fed babies. This can cause some panic, as the mother may think her baby has diarrhea, which is not the case.
What Happens at the Pediatric Consultation?
At this first visit to the pediatrician, the doctor seeks to find out:
Medical history – The pediatrician gathers information about the pregnancy, delivery, and perinatal tests performed at the hospital. They will also ask the parents about their family history and both parents’ health conditions. It’s very helpful for the mother to bring discharge and obstetric reports as well as test results from during pregnancy.
Physical examination – After going over the medical history, the pediatrician will carry out a full examination of the baby. It starts with listening to the chest and feeling the abdomen, and finishes with examining the hips (1% of babies have hip displacement) and the mouth, since these are the two exams that cause the most discomfort for the baby.
The pediatrician will also check the texture and color of the skin, the size of the genitals, feel the head to check the fontanelles, and examine the pupils and the back of the eye. The exam continues with neurological tests (muscle tone) and checking the baby’s reflexes, although the baby’s reactions to the most uncomfortable tests already allow the doctor to evaluate their response to stimuli.
Growth Chart
Finally, the doctor will measure the baby’s weight, length, and head circumference, recording the values on a growth chart, which allows them to check if the baby is growing at a healthy pace. It’s not so much about what the numbers are, but that the baby should follow the curves on the chart, not rising or falling abruptly.
Sometimes there are feeding issues, so if the baby has been weighed and hasn’t yet returned to their birth weight, it’s recommended that parents come back after a week. This way, the baby can be weighed on the same scale, since different scales can be calibrated slightly differently.
Vaccines
When it comes to vaccines, many parents feel unsure about possible reactions. The doctor can explain everything to the parents at this first visit to the pediatrician—what to do after each vaccine and any reactions the baby may have.
In this conversation, the doctor can advise giving paracetamol if the baby has a mild fever, explaining that the dose is determined by the baby’s weight. Parents should always have a thermometer handy to check if the baby has a fever before giving medication.
Sometimes the baby is warm—a mild fever of 38°C is very different from a 40°C fever. It’s important to know this number and at this first visit the pediatrician can explain what to do if this happens.
What Else To Expect From the First Pediatrician Visit?
Besides exams and answering questions, a conversation with some tips for the mother’s and baby’s well-being might take place. At this time, the pediatrician will explain everything the mother needs to know to care for herself and her baby.
They will advise her about diet and sleep habits, show her how to dress and bathe the baby, let her know if it’s okay to take the baby outdoors, what the room temperature should be, how to protect the baby from the sun, and several other things.
Additionally, the pediatrician will provide guidance to prevent sudden infant death and advice on what to do in the event of accidents. Finally, the next appointment will be scheduled for the following month.
Of course, all of this varies according to each pediatrician, so it is important to choose the specialist well since they will probably care for your child until adolescence. It’s important that parents take the opportunity to ask the doctor any and all questions about caring for the baby. This way, they will feel much calmer and more confident when they’re at home alone with the baby.
See also: Baby Growth Chart
Photos: Maessive
